Electrically operated numbering device in bed and cylinder printing machines



June 17, 1969 c. P. KUEVER 3,450,049

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED NUMBERING DEVICE IN BED AND CYLINDER PRINTING MACHINE Filed March 6, 1967 Sheet of 5 ATTORNEY V INVENTOR. CECIL R KUEVER June 1969 c. P. KUEVER 3,450,040

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED NUMBERING DEVICE IN BED AND CYLINDER PRINTING MACHINES Filed March 6, 1967 Sheet 3 of 5 INVENTOR. CECIL P KUEVER ATTORNEY J1me 1969 c. P. KUEVEIR 3,450,040

ELECTRICALLY, OPERATED NUMBERING DEVICE IN BED AND CYLINDER PRINTING MACHINES Filed March 6, 1967 Sheet 3 of 5 IN VEN TOR.

CECIL P KUEVER y I I 1 1, "/23; a

"ATTORNEY June 17, 1969 c. P. KUEVER 3,450,040

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED NUMBERING DEVICE IN BED AND CYLINDER PRINTING MACHINES Filed March 6, 1967 Sheet 4 or 5 INVENTOR. CECIL F? KUEVER ATTORNEY June 17, 1969 c. P. KUEVER 3,450,040

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED NUMB NG DEVICE IN BED AND LINDER PRINT MACHINES Filed March 6, 1967 Sheet 5 of 5 INVENTOR.

CECIL P. KUEVER BY 5/" ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,450,040 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED NUMBERING DEVICE IN BED AND CYLINDER PRINTING MACHINES Cecil Paul Kuever, 3815 Pope St., Washington, DC. 20020 Filed Mar. 6, 1967, Ser. No. 620,788

Int. Cl. B411 45/00; B411? 3/58; B41j US. Cl. 101-88 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A numbering arrangement for a printing press whereby a conventional numbering machine of the type which includes a set of rotatable discs with indicia mounted on the periphery of the discs are adapted to imprint a number on a printing surface, such as a business form or the like. The rotatable discs with indicia thereon can be made to imprint numbers on a printing surface consecutively or to repeat the same number on a plurality of forms. The sequence of the numbers to be imprinted is made responsive to a programmed sequence control which is in electrical communication with the rotatable discs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numbering mechanisms have previously been employed in association with printing presses. Such numbering mechanisms are adapted to imprint an identifying number or other indicia on a letter or sheet or form and usually, if the indicia are in the form of numbers the numbers are usually applied to such forms or letters in series, that is, the printing may start off with number one (1) being applied to the first form and the number increasing in increments of one number as each form is printed. Often times it is desirable to repeat the same identifying number or indicia to a plurality of forms. The present invention is designed to provide for a simple yet effective manner in which such repeat imprinting of the same identifying indicia can be made responsive to a pre-coded programmer control. Thus, once the programmer control has been pre-arranged by a press operator, the numbering of the sheets or forms will become automatic without further attendance thereto by a press operator and the forms or sheets as they are imprinted will contain the desired indicia thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is shown in association with a Miehle type vertical press, although it should be pointed out that the structure of the present numbering arrangement of indicia on a printing surface can be adapted to a variety of types of printing press. For instance, in the printing of business forms, it is often desirable to have the forms consecutively numbered starting with one number and increasing the number by one increment with each successive form until the entire lot has been printed. When consecutive numbers are applied to a form, the set of discs having number indicia on the periphery thereof, are caused to present the next successive number on the next form to be printed. This is usually accomplished through some mechanism which is actuated either by the vertical movement of the imprinting cylinder of the press or by the vertical movement of the type bed with which it is associated. Thus, as the imprinting cylinder and/or type bed are caused to move relative to one another, the actuating mechanism for the number discs which is in association therewith will cause the numbering discs to be advanced to the next successive number so that the next number will be imprinted on the next printed form. However, there are instances when it is desirable to have the same number appear on a plurality of successive printed forms. The present invention combines a conventional set of numbering discs with an electrically controlled stop member which is made responsive to a programmed sequence control which will determine and automatically control the number of times a given numbering indicia are applied to a plurality of successive printed forms.

The main object of the invention is to provide an automatic means whereby the sequence of numbering indicia to be applied to a printing surface is made responsive to an electrical control in the form of a cylinder which has been pre-coded with electrical and non-electrical contact areas so that a contact arm riding thereon will through suitable electrical control means, effect the change in the numbers applied by the indicia bearing discs.

Another object of the invention is to provide for an automtic numbering mechanism which can be adapted to a conventional printing press without greatly modifying the structure of the existing printing press with which it is to be associated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for an automatic numbering mechanism for a printing press which is made responsive to an electrically controlled sequence device which is capable of a large number of variations so that the frequency of repeat of the samenumber indicia applied to a plurality of printing surfaces may be electrically controlled.

Another object of the invention is to provide for a simple manner in which the sequence of operation of the indicia carrying numbering discs' can be controlled by a movable contact arm in electrical contact with a precoded electrical contact area.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical contact surface in the form of a plurality of precoded wheel structures which are mounted for rotation on a shaft which derives its rotational movements from a connection existing between the impression cylinder of the press and a ratchet wheel associated with the aforementioned shaft and wheel structures.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from this specification and its accompanying drawings wherein the invention is explained by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of the invention as applied to a Miehle type press;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed View partially broken away to show the press in a partially actuated position;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 showing the press in its extreme actuated position;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of a portion of the present invention as applied to the type bed;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged front elevational view of the device shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmental sectional view taken along the lines 66 of FIGURE 5 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of a portion of the programming device of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of the device shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view of the programming device as viewed from the opposite side of that shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the programmer roll of the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a wiring diagram of the various components of the present invention; and,

3 FIGURE 12 is a front elevational view of a modified form of the programming device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings, there is shown in FIGURE 1 thereof only so much of a Miehle vertical press of well-known construction as is deemed necessary to disclose the adaptation of the present invention to a press of this type. Such presses comprise a type bed 10 mounted for vertical reciprocatory movement in a way frame and an impression cylinder 11 mounted on a suitable cylinder frame for vertical reciprocatory movement in opposition to that of the type bed. In one direction of vertical reciprocation the impression cylinder is rotated to imprint a sheet, gripped thereby against a type form set up on the type bed.

A stock supply 12 may comprise blanks which will be imprinted by the press and simultaneously thereto an identifying indicia in the form of numbers are applied thereto. In the case where the blanks are already imprinted, then the numbering device of the instant invention may be employed for the numbering of the blanks in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. A suitable support 13 supports the stock supply 12 in sheet delivery position in any known manner.

The numbering device of the present invention comprises a set of rotatable discs 14 formed of any suitable material with raised printing surfaces formed on the periphery of said discs.

The rotatable discs are mounted for rotation in a housing 15 which is positioned in a framework 16. A recess 17 is formed in one end of housing 15 and a spring pressed contact surface 18 is adapted to reciprocate within said recess 17. A spring 19 normally urges the contact surface 18 outwardly of the recess 17. A pin 20 is provided on the spring pressed contact 18 and slides within a slot 21 formed in the wall of the housing 15 when the press is in operation. Thus it will be seen that the slot 21 in housing 15 will permit for the inward movement of the spring pressed contact member 18 within the recess 17 but will prevent the complete withdrawal thereof from within the recess.

The discs 14 may bear indicia on their peripheries such as numbers from to 9, for example, and as many discs may be employed as is necessary to apply the required number indicia. All of the discs are mounted for rotation on a common shaft (not shown), and the discs are adapted to be rotated in a step-by-step movement by means of a ratchet and pawl mechanism (not shown). The numbering discs, aforesaid, are of known construction. Essentially, the spring pressed contact surface 18 is adapted to normally extend beyond the plane surface of the type bed and as the type bed and impression cylinder are each reciprocated in opposite directions during the printing operation, as aforesaid, the impression cylinder forces the contact member 18 within the recess 17 against the action of spring 19. Each time the contact member is forced inwardly of the recess, as aforesaid, a disc is caused to rotate a suitable increment so as to present for imprinting on a sheet or form, the next successive number. Thus, it will be seen that each time the type bed and impression cylinder 11 are caused to reciprocate during operation of the press, the numbering discs will present consecutive numbers to be imprinted on the sheet or stock.

The present invention provides for an effective manner whereby the discs 14 of the numbering mechanism may be made to respond to a programmed sequence of operation thereby enabling a press operator to print the same indicia over and over again on successive forms, stock or sheets. This is accomplished in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGURE 5 of the drawings, there is shown therein a pair of solenoids 22 which are suitably mounted within the framework 16. The solenoids 22 are in electrical connection with a contact p te 23 as y a .4 conductor wire 24. The plate 23 is secured in any manner to the type bed 10. Mounted within the framework 16 is a locking lever 25 pivoted as at 26 to the framework 16. The lever 25 is provided at the lower end thereof with a locking pin 27 which is adapted to engage in the slot 21 and to prevent the return of the spring pressed contact 18 outwardly from within the recess 17 when it is desired to print the same indicia on a plurality of successive forms. A spring 28 is secured to the lever 25 as at 29 and the other end of the spring is suitably anchored as at 30 to the framework 16.

During operation of the press, when it is desired to print consecutive numbers or indicia on sheets or forms to be imprinted, the solenoids are energized in a manner to be described hereinafter and the locking lever 25 and pin 27 are in the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 5 of the drawings with the pin 27 out of engagement with the slot 21. Thus, as the type bed 10 and impression cylinder 11 are reciprocated, as aforesaid, the spring pressed contact 18 is caused to be forced rearwardly into recess 17 and through the ratchet and pawl mechanism (not shown), the next consecutive number of the disc is caused to be brought to imprinting position so as to imprint on the sheet or stock the next consecutive number. However, there are times when it is desired to repeat the same identifying number or indicia on successive forms or sheets being imprinted and the programming device of the present invention provides for an efiicient manner in which this can be automatically accomplished.

The programmer of the present invention comprises a rotatable shaft 31 upon which is adapted to be keyed or otherwise secured thereto an electro-condnctive wheel or disc 32 shown more clearly at FIGURE 8 of the drawings. Shaft 31 is mounted for rotation on a bracket 33 which is suitably secured to an L-shaped arm 34 which is fixed for reciprocation with the impression cylinder 11. Shaft 31 has keyed thereto a ratchet wheel 35 which is adapted to receive a pivoted pawl 36 for imparting a stepby-step rotational movement to the ratchet wheel 35, shaft 31 to which it is keyed and the electro-conductive wheel or disc 32 also keyed to the aforementioned shaft 31. Pawl 36 is pivoted as at 37 to a plate-like member 38 which is rotatably mounted on shaft 31. A spring 39 normally urges the pawl 36 is sliding contact with the ratchet wheel 35. Spring 39 is anchored at one end to a pin 40 on plate 38 and the other end thereof is secured to a securing means 41 on the pawl 36. Thus, it will be seen that the spring 39 normally urges the pawl to be at all times in sliding contact with the ratchet wheel 35.

A second pawl 42 is pivotally mounted on shaft 43 which is fixed to bracket 33. A spacer 42' extends between pawl 42 and bracket 33. An abutment 43' is fixed to the bracket 33 and a spring 44 is interposed between the abutment and pawl 42 to force said pawl in engagement with the ratchet wheel 35 so as to prevent any backward rotational movement thereof. A cut-out portion 45 is formed on plate 38 and a stop member 46 is provided on bracket 33 so as to limit the rotational movement of the ratchet wheel and its associated parts when the press is in operation in the numbering of sheets or forms with the desired indicia.

A generally U-shaped bracket 47 is fixed to bracket 33 as shown more clearly in FIGURES 7 and 9 of the drawings. Bracket 47 is formed of a non-conductive material such as plastic and has fixed thereto in any manner an electrical terminal post 48. A sliding electrical contact spring bar 49 is secured to the terminal post 48 and extends over the conductive wheels or discs 32 for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter. A conductive wire 50 leads from terminal post 48 to a suitable source of electrical power.

The ratchet 35, shaft 31 and electro-conductive wheels or discs 32 are caused to be rotated in a step-by-step movement in the following manner,

Shaft 51 which mounts the impression cylinder 11 has secured thereto an eccentric 52. Rod 53 is journaled in any manner to the eccentric 52 and the other end thereof is pivotally secured to shaft 37 as best shown in FIGURE 7 of the drawings.

Thus, it will be seen that as the impression cylinder reciprocates during operation of the press, the rod 53 in its downward and upwards travel will cause the plate 38 to which it is pivotally secured to a like movement and since the pawl 36 is also connected to' the plate member 38, the ratchet 35 will be rotated in a stepby-step rotational movement.

Shown in FIGURE 8 of the drawings is a single electro-conductive wheel or disc 32. The wheel or disc may be made of any electro-conductive material and is provided with non-electrical areas 54 which can be formed on the wheel in any known manner. Thus, the wheel or disc 32 is provided with electro-conducti've areas 55 and non-electrical conductive areas 54.

Referring now to FIGURE 12 of the drawings, there is shown therein a modified form of a programmer wherein a plurality of wheels or discs 32' are each keyed for rotation with shaft 31.

The wheels or discs 32' are made of any suitable electro-conductive materials and formed thereon at selected areas are non-electrical conductive areas 56. Numeral 55 denotes electro-conductive areas. The nonelectrical conductive areas 54 may be formed on the wheels or discs 32' in any known manner. Each wheel or disc 32 is separated from each other by means of a suitable insulation shown at 57. The modification shown in FIGURE 12 of the drawings includes a rod 58 which is mounted between a pair of brackets 59 and an intermediate plate 60 is secured to the brackets in any suitable manner. A slide bushing 61 formed of a suitable non-electrical conductive material is mounted for sliding adjustment along the rod 58. A spring contact arm 62 of electrical conductive material is secured in any manner to a terminal post 63. A conductor wire 64 extends from post 63 and connects with a suitable source of power. An electrical contact arm 65 is secured in any manner to the L-shaped arm 34. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Contact arm 65 is adapted to engage with the contact plate 23 which is mounted on the type bed 10. A conductor Wire 48' leads to a suitable source of power. The programmer shown in FIGURE 12 of the drawings is intended to operate in the same manner as previously described with respect to FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings. However, it will be noted that in the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 12 of the drawings, there is provided a plurality of wheels or discs 32' so as to enable the programmer to a greater versatility in the application of identifying indicia to letters, forms, etc.

FIGURE of the drawings discloses the manner in which a plurality of wheels or discs 32' may be applied to a common shaft 31'. As can be appreciated, any number of wheels or discs may be applied to the common shaft as is deemed necessary in the performance of application of identifying indicia to printed matter. Suitable insulation is applied between the wheels in any known manner.

The wheels or discs 32 and 32' are formed of a suitable electro-conductive material and there is formed on the peripheries thereof in any manner, non-electrical areas for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter.

FIGURE 11 of the drawings discloses a simple wiring diagram which can be employed with the structure of the present invention.

Having described in detail the various components of the present invention, the manner of operation thereof will now be set out more in detail.

Assuming that it is desired to print the for-ms with successively numbered indicia, the forms will be fed to the machine, one by one, and as the print is applied thereto the contact bar 49 is caused to travel on the periphery of a wheel which has no non-electrical areas thereon. Thus, the contact bar in its contact with a fully electrically conductive wheel will complete the circuit between the contact bar 49 and solenoids 22, thus energizing the solenoids 22 which will pull the lever 25 and pin 27 rear'wardly to the position shown in full lines in FIG- URE 5 of the drawings. With the lever and pin in this position, each time the type bed and impression cylinder are reciprocated, as aforesaid, during the printing operation, the spring pressed contact 18 is depressed by the impression cylinder and the next consecutive number on the discs 14 is caused to be brought to a printing position in the manner set forth previously. The printing of consecutive numbers on successive forms will continue until such time as the contact bar is caused to travel over a 'wheel which has segments thereon of non-electrical conductivity, whereupon the circuit between the contact bar and solenoids will be broken and the locking bar 25 and pin 27 through spring 28 will be caused to move to the position shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 5 when the pin 27 will engage with the slot 21 thus locking the numbering mechanism with the result that during the further reciprocation of the type bed and impression cylinder during the printing operation the spring pressed contact 18 having been locked and prevented from further reciprocal movement, the means associated therewith to turn the discs so as to present a new number are rendered inactive and the same number is presented by the discs 14 to be printed on the forms until such time as when the contact bar 49 is caused to contact with an electro-conductive area on the wheel when the circuit between the contact bar 49 and solenoids 22 will be re-established to energize the solenoids. As can be appreciated, when the contact arm of bar 49 encounters a non-conductive area on the periphery of the wheel or disc, the circuit to the solenoids 22 is broken and the spring 28 now forces the locking pin 27 into slot 21 of the housing 15. This prevents the spring pressed contact 18 from full retraction from within the recess 17. Thus, upon the next reciprocal movement of the bed and impression cylinder, no con tact is made by the impression cylinder with the spring pressed contact and the same number or other identifying indicia as appeared on the wheel or disc on the next preceding printing operation remain the same and this same number or indicia will appear on successive forms or stock to be imprinted and this will continue for successive forms or stock until such time as the contact bar or arm 49 contacts an electro-conductive area on the wheel or disc 32 whereupon the electrical circuit to the solenoids is closed and the locking lever 25 and pin 27 assume the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 5 of the drawings.

Thus, it will be seen that by a simple arrangement of pre-coded wheels or discs having electrical and non-electrical areas strategically placed on the peripheries thereof, and arranging such wheels or discs on a common shaft in the manner aforesaid, any number of various type number applying schemes may be devised to operate on a completely automatic basis.

As can be appreciated from FIGURE 12 of the drawings, a number of pre-coded wheels or discs, as aforesaid, are all arranged on a common shaft for rotation therewith. Thus, by the mere adjustment of the contact arm 62 by sliding the bushing 61 along bar 58, differently coded wheels or discs may be contacted so as to vary the sequence of print of the identifying numbers or indicia carried by the rotatable discs 14.

With the structure shown in FIGURE 8 of the drawings, the contact bar 49 may be swung on its pivot at post 48 to ride on different wheels as shown in dotted lines.

While I have disclosed the invention as adapted particularly to a Miehle type press, it is obvious that the same may be efiiciently applied to other type printing presses which is provided with any means capable of imparting a step-by-step rotation of the wheels or discs which have been pre-coded with electrical and non-electrical are-as and which are mounted on a common shaft for rotation therewith.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a numbering attachment for a reciprocating type press including an impression cylinder and type bed, said numbering attachment comprising a plurality of numbering wheels and means to cause said numbering wheels to rotate in a step by step movement to present consecutive numbers to be applied to a surface to bear an imprint thereon, the improvement comprising, a pre-coded wheel mounted for reciprocating movement with said cylinder and adapted to be rotated in a step by step movement upon each reciprocal movement of said cylinder and type bed, said pre-coded wheel comprising electrical and non-electrical conducting areas on the surface thereof, an electro-conductive plate mounted on said type bed and adapted to reciprocate therewith, a contact arm reciprocating with said reciprocating cylinder and adapted to engage with said electro-conductive plate, an electro-conductive arm engaging with said pre-coded wheel a solenoid operated locking lever associated with said numbering attachment whereby when said electro-conductive arm is in contact with a non-electrical conducting area on said wheel, said locking lever engages with said numbering attachment and prevents the rotation of the wheels therein to thereby cause the repeated printing of the same number on said surface.

2. The structure recited in claim 1 whereby when said electro-conductive arm is in contact with an electrical conducting area on said wheel, said locking lever is retracted from its locking position and the numbering wheels advanced in a step by step movement to present consecutive numbers to be printed on said surface.

3. The structure recited in claim 1 wherein said precoded wheel comprises a plurality of wheel structures mounted on a common shaft and each having pre-coded electrical and non-electrical areas formed on the peripheries thereof.

4. The structure recited in claim 1 wherein said electrical contact arm is capable of being shifted across the surface area of said wheel structures for engagement with selected wheel structures.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 976,295 11/1910 Reinhardt 101-80 1,021,466 3/1912 Kuen 10188 1,500,424 7/1924 Smith 10177 2,404,912 7/1946 Krouse 10188 2,526,004 10/1950 Carothers et al. 101-8O 2,556,251 6/1951 Bell 101250 2,652,772 9/1953 Katz 10172 2,900,898 '8/ 1959 Buttner 101-2 83 X 2,922,363 1/1960 Dudley 101-282 WlLLIAM B. PENN, Primary Examiner.

U.S. C1. X.R. 10180, 282 

